Remote control ventilator system and method

ABSTRACT

A remote-controlled ventilating system and method. The method can include remotely controlling a ventilation system in a recreational vehicle having a wall and a ceiling. The method can include coupling a fan and a dome to at least one of the wall and the ceiling of the recreational vehicle. The fan and the dome can be connected to a controller. The method can also include transmitting a signal from a remote control to the controller in order to operate the fan and the dome.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recreational vehicles (RVs) generally include some type of ventilationsystem. While some RVs have full air-conditioning systems, many use aventilation system including only a fan and a vent. Conventional fan andvent systems require the occupant to manually operate the fan. Severalmanual adjustments of the fan may be required until the desired coolingor ventilation effect is achieved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some embodiments of the invention provide a remotely-controlledventilation system for use in a recreational vehicle having a ceilingand a wall. The system can include a chassis mounted to at least one ofthe ceiling and the wall of the recreational vehicle, a fan coupled tothe chassis, and a dome coupled to the chassis. The system can alsoinclude a remote control configured to operate the fan and the dome.

In some embodiments, the invention provides a method of remotelycontrolling a ventilation system for use in a recreational vehiclehaving a wall and a ceiling. The method can include coupling a fan and adome to at least one of the wall and the ceiling of the recreationalvehicle. The fan and the dome can be connected to a controller. Themethod can also include transmitting a signal from a remote control tothe controller in order to operate the fan and the dome.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration ofthe detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a remote-controlledventilation system according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a lift arm assembly for usewith the remote-controlled ventilation system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a control system for use with theremote controlled ventilation system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a voltage source for use with thecontrol system of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of an antenna module for use with thecontrol system of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a rain sensor module for use withthe control system of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a temperature sensor module foruse with the control system of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a dome control module for use withthe control system of FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a fan control module for use withthe control system of FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a current monitoring module foruse with the control system of FIG. 3.

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a fan microcontroller for usewith the control system of FIG. 3.

FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C are a flow chart illustrating one embodiment ofthe operation of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of a remote control for use with theremote-controlled ventilation system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of a voltage source for use with theremote-control of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of an antenna module for use withthe remote-control of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of an indicator module for use withthe remote-control of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration of a selector module for use withthe remote-control of FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration of a microcontroller for use withthe remote-control of FIG. 13.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of theoperation of the remote-control of FIG. 13.

FIG. 20 is an exemplary perspective view of a snap-in screen, a panel,and a microswitch of a remote-controlled ventilation system according toone embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood thatthe phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein ismeant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereofas well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, theterms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variationsthereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirectmountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected”and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connectionsor couplings.

In addition, embodiments of the invention include both hardware andelectronic components or modules that, for purposes of discussion, maybe illustrated and described as if the majority of the components wereimplemented solely in hardware. However, one of ordinary skill in theart, and based on a reading of this detailed description, wouldrecognize that, in at least one embodiment, the electronic based aspectsof the invention may be implemented in software. As such, it should benoted that a plurality of hardware and software based devices, as wellas a plurality of different structural components may be utilized toimplement the invention. Furthermore, and as described in subsequentparagraphs, the specific mechanical configurations illustrated in thedrawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the invention and thatother alternative mechanical configurations are possible.

FIG. 1 illustrates a remote-controlled ventilation system 100 accordingto one embodiment of the invention. The remote-controlled ventilationsystem 100 can be coupled to the ceiling (and/or roof) or a wall of aRV. The remote-controlled ventilation system 100 is also suitable forother installations where ventilation would be desired, such as houses,boats, sheds, garages, etc.

The remote-controlled ventilation system 100 can include a chassis 105configured to mount in an aperture (not shown). The chassis 105 isillustrated as being square in shape but can be other suitable shapes.The chassis 105 can have an outer edge 110, an inner edge 115, and aflange 120. The flange 120 can be positioned circumferentially around acenter portion of the chassis 105. The outer edge 110 can be insertedthrough the aperture until the flange 120 contacts the edges of theaperture. The flange 120 can be fastened to the aperture by screws orother suitable fasteners, such as rivets, bolts, glue, and double-sidedtape. A gasket 125 can fit over the outer edge 110 and mount to theoutside of the aperture opposite the flange 120. A water-tight seal canbe formed between the gasket 125 and the chassis 105 and between thegasket 125 and the outside surface of the aperture. A fan motor 130having an armature 135 can mount to the chassis 105. The armature 135can extend through the chassis 105 and can be coupled to a fan 140.

A hinge 145 can be coupled to one side of the outer edge 110 of thechassis 105 that extends beyond the aperture. In one embodiment, screwscan be used to fasten a first end 150 of the hinge 145 to the chassis105. A second end 155 of the hinge 145 can attach to a dome or lid 160,which can have a generally curved, convex shape, a flat shape, or othersuitable shapes. The outer dimensions of the dome 160 can beapproximately equal to the outer dimensions of the chassis 105. The dome160 can swivel on the hinge 145 to open and/or close access to theaperture. When fully closed, the dome 160 can form a water-tight sealwith the gasket 125, preventing any water from entering the RV throughthe aperture.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a lift arm assembly 200. A lift arm205 having a geared end 206 and a lifting end 207 can be coupled to aworm gear 210 which can be coupled to a worm gear shaft 215. The end ofthe worm gear shaft 215 opposite the worm gear 210 can include a gear220. The gear end 206 of the lift arm 205 and the worm gear 210 of theworm gear shaft 215 can mount in a housing 222 having a first side 225and a second side 230.

Turning the worm gear shaft 210 in one direction can raise the liftingend 207 of the lift arm 205, and turning the worm gear shaft 210 in theopposite direction can lower the lifting end 207 of the liftarm 205. Thehousing 222 can be mounted to the chassis 105. The end of the lift arm205 can be coupled to a bracket 235, which can be mounted on the dome160. As a result, turning the worm gear shaft 215 can raise or lower thedome 160.

As shown in FIG. 1, a dome motor 240, with an attached gear headassembly 245, can be coupled to a panel 250, which can be coupled to thechassis 105. When assembled, the gear of the gear head assembly 245 canengage with the gear end 220 of worm gear shaft 215. The dome motor 240can open and close the dome 160. A hand crank 255 can be coupled to thegear head assembly 245 and can have a gear that can allow manualoperation of the dome 160.

A master controller 260 can be coupled to the chassis 105. The mastercontroller 260 can be electrically connected to the fan motor 130 andcan control the speed and direction of the fan 140. The mastercontroller 260 can also be electrically connected to the dome motor 240and can control its speed and direction as well. The master controller260 can be further coupled to a rain sensor 265 (e.g., model 12-117-01manufactured by Yantat). A temperature sensor and an antenna can bemounted on or connected to the master controller 260. The antenna canenable the master controller 260 to receive data from a remote control270 via a radio frequency (“RF”) signal. Alternative communicationmethods can be used by the master controller 260 and the remote control270, such as infrared (“IR”) or other suitable types of communication.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 20, a screen assembly 275 can snap into placewith the panel 250. An external flange 280 can be coupled to the chassis105.

In some embodiments, a microswitch 980 having a lever 990, a firstcontact 992, and a second contact 993 can be mounted on the panel 250.The lever 990 can have a first position in which there can be anelectrical open between the first contact 992 and the second contact993. The lever 990 can have a second position in which there can be anelectrical coupling between the first contact 992 and the second contact993. The screen assembly 275 can have a plurality mounting clips 995which can pass through openings in the panel 250 and can hold the screenassembly 275 in place. An opening in the panel 250 can be positionedsuch that when the screen assembly 275 is mounted to the panel 250, amounting clip 995 can engage the lever 990 and cen move the lever 990from the first position to the second position and can electricallycouple the first contact 992 to the second contact 993.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the master controller 260according to one embodiment of the invention. The master controller 260can include a fan microcontroller 305, a fan battery 310, a fan voltagesource 315, a fan antenna module 320, a rain sensor module 325, atemperature sensor module 330, a dome controller module 335, a fancontroller module 340, and a current monitor module 345.

In one embodiment, the fan battery 310 can be a standard 12-Voltautomotive battery. The fan battery 310 can be connected to the voltagesource 315 via a connection 350. In some embodiments, the +12-Voltcontact of the fan battery 310 can connect to the first contact 992 ofthe microswitch 980. The second contact 993 of the microswitch 980 canconnect to an overcurrent protector F1. When the screen assembly 275 isproperly mounted, the lever 990 can be forced into its second positionand the +12-Volt contact of the fan battery 310 can be electricallycoupled to the overcurrent protector F1. When the screen assembly 275 isnot mounted, or is not properly mounted, to the panel 250, the lever 990can be in its first position and the fan battery 310 can be electricallyisolated from the overcurrent protector F1. Therefore, in potentiallyunsafe circumstances, where the screen assembly 275 is not mountedcorrectly, the master controller 260 can be disconnected from thebattery 310 and the remote controlled ventilation system 100 can beinoperable.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the fan voltage source 315. In someembodiments, the +12-Volt contact of the fan battery 310 can connect tothe overcurrent protector F1. In one embodiment, F1 can be resettableand can have a trip current of 10 Amps (e.g., part number MF-R500-NDmanufactured by Bourns). A transient/surge absorber MOV1 can be coupledto both the positive and negative leads of the fan battery 310. Thetransient/surge absorber MOV1 can protect the circuits of the mastercontroller 260 should a large current surge (e.g., lightning) occur onthe fan battery 310 leads. A filter circuit including two capacitors anda diode, C1, C2, and D4, can filter the 12-Volt signal for the fanbattery 310. An unfiltered +12-Volt signal can be used to drive the fanmotor 130 via a connection 355 and the dome motor 240 via a connection360. C1 and C2, in some embodiments, have a capacitance of 47 uF and amaximum working voltage of 25 Vdc. Diode D4, in some embodiments, has amaximum working voltage of 50 Vdc.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the fan voltage source 315 can convert thevoltage from the fan battery 310 (i.e., +Vb) to a suitable voltage +Vs(e.g., +5 volts) for use by the fan microcontroller 305 via a connection362, the antenna module 320 via a connection 364, the rain sensor module325 via a connection 366, the temperature sensor module 330 via aconnection 368, and the current monitor module 345 via a connection 370.The fan voltage source 315 can include an integrated circuit (e.g.,model UA 78 LO 5 CD manufactured by Texas Instruments, among others) forconverting the fan battery 310 voltage to +V_(s).

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the fan antenna module 320 can be coupled tothe fan voltage source 315 via a connection 364, to the fanmicrocontroller 305 via a connection 372, and to a fan antenna 373. Insome embodiments, the fan antenna 373 can be implemented as a trace on aprinted circuit board. In some embodiments, the fan antenna 373 can bepositioned inside the chassis 105. The antenna 373 can be any antennacapable of receiving the type of signal transmitted by the remotecontrol 270. The fan antenna module 320 can convert RF signals receivedby the fan antenna 373 into digital data signals and can supply them tothe fan microcontroller 305 via a connection 372. The fan antenna module320 can include an integrated circuit 375 (e.g., model RCR-433-RPmanufactured by Radiotronix, among others). The fan antenna module 320can include filtering capacitors C9 and C10 (e.g., having a capacitanceof 0.1uF and 4.7 uF, respectively) for the +5-Volt from the fan voltagesource 315.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a rain sensor module 325. The rainsensor module 325 can include the rain sensor 265 (as shown in FIG. 1)mounted remotely from the master controller 260. As shown in FIG. 6, apull-up resistor R3 (e.g., 51.0 k Ω) can be connected to one lead 327 ofthe rain sensor 265. The other lead 329 of the rain sensor 265 can beconnected to ground. A capacitor C7 (e.g., 0.1 uF, 25 V) can beconnected between both leads 327, 329 of the rain sensor 265 to filterthe signal. The rain sensor 265 and R3 form a voltage divider. In theabsence of rain on the rain sensor 265, the impedance of the rain sensorcan be high, which can result in a low voltage across the rain sensor265. In the presence of water on the rain sensor 265, the impedance ofthe rain sensor 265 can be low, which can result in a high voltage. Therain sensor signal can be provided to the microcontroller 305 via aconnection 374.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of the temperature sensor circuit 330.A temperature sensor 377 (e.g., part number LM35DZ manufactured byNational Semiconductor) can produce an output equal to 10 mV per degreeCelcius (i.e., 0.2V at 20° C.). The output of the temperature sensor 377can be amplified by an amplifier circuit including an op-amp U2B (e.g.,part number LM258D manufactured by Texas Instruments, among others),resistors R4 (e.g., 1.0 kΩ), R5 (e.g., 10.0 kΩ), and R6 (e.g., 1.0 kΩ),and capacitor C8 (e.g., 0.1 uF, maximum working voltage of 25Vdc). Theamplified signal corresponding to the temperature detected by thetemperature sensor 377 can be provided to the microcontroller 305 via aconnection 376.

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of the dome control module 335according to one embodiment. The dome control module 335 can perform twofunctions: driving the dome motor 240, and determining the direction ofoperation of the dome motor 240, and therefore, the dome 160. Drivingthe dome motor 240 can be accomplished by providing the +12-Voltunfiltered signal to either terminal W5 or terminal W6 and providing aground potential to the other terminal. A double pole double throw(“DPDT”) relay K1 (e.g., part number RTE24012F manufactured by Tycoamong others) can be configured to control the direction the dome motor240.

The +12-Volt unfiltered signal can be provided to pins 8 and 11 of relayK1. A mosfet Q1 (e.g., part number RFD3055LESM manufactured byFairchild, among others) can be driven, through resistor R8 (e.g., 1.0kΩ), by the microcontroller 305 via a connection 378. When themicrocontroller 305 provides a low signal via the connection 378 tomosfet Q1, mosfet Q1 can maintain an open circuit condition and the+12-Volt unfiltered signal can be provided to pins 6 and 9 of relay K1through a diode D2 (e.g., part number 1N4001 manufactured byMicrocomercial, among others). The +12-Volt unfiltered signal can beapplied to the four input pins 6, 8, 9, and 11 of relay K1 and to outputpins 4 and 13 of relay K1. This can apply the +12-Volt unfiltered signalto both terminals W5 and W6 of the dome motor 240 to turn the dome motor240 off.

To power the dome motor 240, the fan microcontroller 305 can provide ahigh signal to the mosfet Q1. The mosfet Q1 can close its circuit toprovide a near ground potential (to pins 6 and 9 of relay K1), after thevoltage drop of a resistor R20 (0.47 Ω). Depending on the state of adome direction signal 380 on the connection from the microcontroller305, the ground potential can be passed to the terminal W5 or W6 of thedome motor 240 and the +12-Volt unfiltered signal can be passed to theother terminal, resulting in the dome motor 240 being turned on. DiodeD2 can prevent the +12-Volt unfiltered from being shorted to ground inthis state.

The direction of the dome motor 240 can be controlled by the fanmicrocontroller 305 via a connection 380. The fan microcontroller 305can provide a signal to a mosfet Q3 (e.g., part number 2N7002manufactured by Fairchild, among others) through resistor R9 (1.0 kΩ).When the signal is low, the mosfet Q3 can maintain an open circuitcondition. In this state, the +12V signal can be provided to both theinputs 1 and 16 of relay K1. The coil in relay K1 can be deenergized,resulting in input pin 11 being connected to output pin 13 and input pin6 being connected to output pin 4. When the dome motor 240 is turned onby the fan microcontroller 305, the dome motor 240 can run in itsforward direction and raise the dome 160. When the signal provided bythe microcontroller 305 via the connection 380 to the mosfet Q3 is high,the mosfet Q3 can close its circuit and provide a ground potential topin 1 of relay K1. This can cause the coil to energize and pull thecontacts of relay K1, such that input pin 9 can be connected to outputpin 13 and input pin 8 can be connected to output pin 4. This can resultin reverse operation (lowering) of the dome motor 240 when the domemotor 240 is turned on by the fan microcontroller 305.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the fan controlmodule 340. The fan control module 340 can perform two functions:driving the fan motor 130, and determining the direction of operation ofthe fan motor 130, and therefore, the fan. Driving the fan motor 130 canbe accomplished by providing the +12-Volt unfiltered signal to eitherterminal W4 or terminal W3 and providing a ground potential to the otherterminal. A double pole double throw (“DPDT”) relay K2 (e.g., partnumber RTE24012F manufactured by Tyco, among others) can control whichdirection the fan motor 130 will operate.

As shown in FIG. 9, the +12-Volt unfiltered signal can be provided topins 8 and 11 of relay K2. A mosfet Q2 (e.g., part number HRFZ44Nmanufactured by Fairchild, among others) can be driven, through resistorR10 (22 Ω), by the fan microcontroller 305 via a connection 382. Whenthe fan microcontroller 305 provides a low signal to the mosfet Q2, themosfet Q2 can maintain an open circuit condition and the +12-Voltunfiltered signal can be provided to pins 6 and 9 of relay K2 through adiode D1 (e.g., part number 1N4001 manufactured by Microcomercial, amongothers). The +12-Volt unfiltered signal can be applied to the four inputpins 6, 8, 9, and 11 of relay K2, and to the output pins 4 and 13 ofrelay K2. This can apply the +12-Volt unfiltered signal to bothterminals W4 and W3 of the fan motor 130 to turn the fan motor 130 off.

To power the fan motor 130, the fan microcontroller 305 can provide ahigh signal to mosfet Q2. The mosfet Q2 can close its circuit to providea near ground potential (to pins 6 and 9 of relay K2), after the voltagedrop of a resistor R19 (0.01 Ω). Depending on the state of a fandirection signal 334 from the fan microcontroller 305, the groundpotential can be passed to terminal W4 or W3 of the fan motor 130 andthe +12-Volt unfiltered signal can be passed to the other terminal,resulting in the fan motor 130 being turned on. Diode D1 can prevent the+12-Volt unfiltered signal from being shorted to ground in this state.The speed of the fan motor 130 can be controlled by pulse widthmodulation (“PWM”) of the signal provided to the mosfet Q2. In someembodiments, a duty cycle of the signal provided to the mosfet Q2 canrange from 0% (off) to 100% (full speed) in about eight substantiallyequal increments. In one embodiment, a 50% duty cycle can be equal to50% fan motor speed.

The fan motor 130 direction can be controlled by the fan microcontroller305 via a connection 384. The fan microcontroller 305 can provide asignal to a mosfet Q4 (e.g., part number 2N7002 manufactured byFairchild, among others) through resistor R17 (0.01 kΩ). When the signalis low, the mosfet Q4 can maintain an open circuit condition. In thisstate, the +12-Volt signal can be provided to both inputs 1 and 16 ofrelay K2. The coil in relay K2 can be deenergized, which can result ininput pin 11 being connected to output pin 13 and input pin 6 beingconnected to output pin 4. When the fan motor 130 is turned on by thefan microcontroller 305, the fan motor 130 can run in its forward(intake) direction. When the signal provided by the fan microcontroller305 via the connection 384 to the mosfet Q4 is high, the mosfet Q4 canclose its circuit and can provide a ground potential to pin 1 of relayK2. This can cause the coil to energize and pull the contacts of relayK2, such that input pin 9 can be connected to output pin 13 and inputpin 8 can be connected to output pin 4. This can result in reverse(exhaust) operation of the fan motor 130 when the fan motor 130 isturned on by the fan microcontroller 305.

Some embodiments of the current monitor module 345 (as shown in FIG.10), can monitor current flow in the dome motor 240 windings. Anincrease in dome motor 240 current can indicate that the dome 160 hasreached its fully-open or fully-closed position. When the dome motor 240is running, current can flow through resistor R20. An op-amp U2A (e.g.,part number LM258D manufactured by Texas Instruments, among others) canamplify the voltage drop across R20 and provide the signal to the fanmicrocontroller 305 via a connection 386. Resistors R12 (1.0 k Ω), R13(1.0 k Ω), R14 (1.0 k Ω), R15 (51.0 k Ω) and R16 (10 k Ω) along withcapacitor C13 (1.0 uF, 25V) can combine with op-amp U2A to amplify thevoltage drop detected across R20.

Some embodiments of the current monitor module 345 (as shown in FIG.10), can monitor current flow in the fan motor 130 windings. An increasein fan motor 130 current can indicate that the fan 140 is blocked andcannot turn. When the fan motor 130 is running, current can flow throughresistor R19. The op-amp U2A can amplify the voltage drop across R19 andprovide the signal to the fan microcontroller 305 via a connection 382.Resistors R12 (1.0 k Ω), R13 (1.0 k Ω), R14 (1.0 k Ω), R15 (51.0 k Ω)and R16 (10 k Ω) along with uF, 25V) can combine with op-amp U2A toamplify the voltage drop detected across R19.

As shown in FIG. 11, the fan microcontroller 305 can include amicroprocessor integrated circuit 390, which can be programmed toperform various functions. As used herein and in the appended claims,the term “controller” is not limited to just those integrated circuitsreferred to in the art as microcontrollers, but broadly refers to one ormore microcomputers, processors, application-specific integratedcircuits, or any other suitable programmable circuit or combination ofcircuits. In some embodiments, the microprocessor 390 can be a modelnumber MC68HC908JK1CDW manufactured by Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. Insome embodiments, the fan microcontroller 305 can be positioned insidethe chassis 105. The microprocessor 390 can include a clocking signalgenerator including a crystal or oscillator X1, resistor R1 (1.0 mΩ),and loading capacitors C4 and C5. In some embodiments, the crystal X1can operate at 8 MHz and the loading capacitors C4 and C5 can each havea capacitance value of 12 pF. The clocking signal generator can providea clock signal input to the microprocessor 390 and can be coupled to pin3 and to pin 4.

The microprocessor 390 (at pin 18) can be connected to the fan antennamodule 320 via the connection 372. The microprocessor 390 (at pin 15)can be connected to the rain sensor module 325 via the connection 374.The microprocessor 390 (at pin 13) can be connected to the temperaturesensor 330 via the connection 376. The microprocessor 390 (at pins 9 and16) can be connected to the dome control module 335 via the connections378 and 380. The microprocessor 390 (at pins 17 and 19) can be connectedto the fan control module 340 via the connections 382 and 384. Themicroprocessor 390 (at pin 14) can be connected to the current sensingmodule 345 via the connection 386. The microprocessor 390 (at pin 10)can be connected to a switch SW1, which can be connected to ground.

FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C illustrate a process the master controller 260can follow for operation of the remote-controlled ventilator 100. Atstep 400, the microprocessor 390 can determine if a command has beenreceived from the remote control 270 via the fan antenna module 320. Ifa new command has not been received, the master controller 260 can checkthe voltage across the rain sensor 265 (at step 402). If the voltageacross the rain sensor 265 is greater than a threshold, the rain sensor265 has not detected any rain and processing continues (at step 404). Ifthe voltage across the rain sensor 265 is less than a threshold, therain sensor 265 has detected rain. The master controller 260 can stopthe fan and/or close the dome (at steps 405 and 406) to prevent waterfrom entering the RV through the ventilation system 100. Processing canthen continue (at step 404).

If rain was not detected (at step 402), the master controller 260 candetermine if the system is in automatic mode (step 404). If the mode isset to automatic, the microprocessor 390 can read the voltage providedby the temperature sensor module 330. If the temperature detected isabove a first threshold (at step 407), the ventilation system canattempt to cool the RV. The microprocessor 390 can output a low signalon pin 16 (connection 380) to set the dome direction to open and canoutput a high signal on pin 9 (connection 378) to energize the domemotor 240 opening the dome 160 (step 408). When the dome 160 reaches itsfully-open position, the dome 160 can stop moving. However, the domemotor 240 can continue running, but because its armature cannot turn,the current the dome motor 240 draws can increase. A signalrepresentative of this increasing current can be sent by the currentmonitor module 345 via the connection 386 to pin 14 of themicroprocessor 390. Once this signal reaches a threshold, themicroprocessor 390 can remove the signal from pin 9, which cande-energize the dome motor 240. Processing can continue (at step 410),where the fan can be turned on or sped up by incrementing its dutycycle.

At step 412, the microprocessor 390 can poll the signal on pin 14received from the current monitor module 345. If this signal exceeds athreshold, a high-amps counter can be incremented (step 414). If thehigh-amps counter is less than a threshold, processing can continue (atstep 400.) If the high-amps counter is greater than or equal to thethreshold total, a fault condition (e.g., the fan 140 is blocked) can bedetermined to exist and the fan can be turned off (step 418) and themode can be set to manual (step 420).

If the temperature is below the first threshold (at step 407), thetemperature can be compared to a second threshold (step 422). If thetemperature is above the second threshold, processing can continue (atstep 412) with determining the fan amps. If the temperature is below thesecond threshold, the master controller 260 can attempt to warm up theRV by turning off the fan (step 424) and closing the dome (step 426).Processing can continue at step 412 with determining the fan amps. Ifthe mode was set to manual (at step 404), processing can continue (atstep 412) with determining the fan amps.

In one embodiment, the remote control 270 can have eight functions and akey sequence for changing the synchronization code. For example, theeight functions can include: dome open, dome close, dome stop, toggleexhaust/intake, increase fan speed, decrease fan speed, stop fan, andset temperature range.

If the remote control 270 transmits a synchronization code change (step430), the master controller 260 can turn off the fan (at step 432) anddetermine if switch SW1 (FIG. 11) has been pressed (step 434). If switchSW1 is pressed, the connection from common to pin 10 on themicroprocessor 390 can open, causing pin 10 to go high. Themicroprocessor 390 can then save the new synchronization code in itsflash memory (step 436) and processing can continue (at step 400). Ifswitch SW1 is not pressed, the new synchronization code can be ignoredand processing can continue (at step 400). If the command received fromthe remote control 270 is different than changing the synchronizationcode, the synchronization code sent can be compared to thesynchronization code saved in the microprocessor's 390 flash memory(step 438). If the codes do not match, the master controller 260 canignore the command and continue processing (at step 400).

If the synchronization codes match, processing can continue bydetermining which command is being sent by the remote control 270. Ifthe command received is to open the dome 160 (step 440), themicroprocessor 390 can output a low signal on pin 16 to set the correctdirection for the dome motor 240 (step 442). If the command received isto close the dome 160 (step 444), the microprocessor 390 can output ahigh signal on pin 16 to set the correct direction for the dome motor240 (step 446). Next the microprocessor 390 can output a high signal onpin 9 to energize the dome motor 240 (step 448). At step 450, themicroprocessor 390 can determine the signal on pin 14 received from thecurrent monitor module 345. If the level of the current signal is abovea threshold, the dome has reached the end of its travel path and themicroprocessor 390 can turn off the dome motor 240 by removing thesignal from pin 9 (step 452). Processing then continues (at step 400).If the level of the current signal is below a threshold, themicroprocessor 390 can determine if an interrupt has occurred (step454). An interrupt can occur when a new command is received by themaster controller 260, while the microprocessor 390 is waiting for thedome 160 to fully open or fully close. When an interrupt occurs, themicroprocessor 390 can perform the requested command (step 456). Onceprocessing of the command is complete, the microprocessor 390 can returnto step 450 to wait for a high current condition.

If the command received is to stop the dome (step 460), themicroprocessor 390 can remove power from pin 9, de-energizing the domemotor 240 (step 462). Processing can continue (at step 400).

If the command received is to toggle the fan direction (step 464), themicroprocessor 390 can turn off the fan at step 466. The mastercontroller 260 can then determine (at step 468), whether the fan is inexhaust mode. If the fan is in exhaust mode, the microprocessor 390 canchange the signal on pin 17 from high to low, changing the fan to intakemode (step 470). If the fan is in intake mode, the microprocessor 390can change the signal on pin 17 from low to high, changing the mode toexhaust (step 472). At step 474, the master controller 260 can then setthe fan speed to the same level as before it was turned off. Processingcan then continue (at step 400).

If the command received is to speed the fan up (step 480), the mastercontroller 260 can determine the present speed of the fan 140 (step482). If the speed is less than a maximum, the master controller 260 canincrement a PWM duty cycle register, which can increase the duty cycle,and thus the speed of the fan, for example, ⅛^(th) of full speed (step484). The duty cycle can be increased, and thus the fan 140 can run,regardless of the position of the dome 160, including when the dome 160is fully closed. If the speed of the fan 140 is at a maximum, processingcan continue (at step 400).

If the command received is to slow the fan down (step 486), the mastercontroller 260 can determine the present speed of the fan 140 (step488). If the fan 140 is not off, the master controller 260 can decrementthe PWM duty cycle register, which can lower the duty cycle, and thusthe speed of the fan, for example,⅛^(th) of full speed (step 490). Ifthe fan is off, processing can continue (at step 400). If the commandreceived is to stop the fan (step 492), the master controller 260 canturn the fan 140 off (step 494). Processing can then continue (at step400).

If the command received is to set the temperature range (step 496), themaster controller 260 can determine if the range is set to zero (step498). If the range is set to zero, the mode can be manual and thetemperature control can be disabled (step 500). If the range is not setto zero, the range can be saved and control can be set to automatic(step 502). Processing can then continue (at step 400).

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a remote control270. The remote control 270 can include a battery 605, a voltage source610, an antenna 615, a microcontroller 620, an indicator group 625, anda selector group 630. The components of the remote control 270 can beconstructed with one or more integrated circuits mounted on a circuitboard (not shown) that can be mounted in a housing.

In one embodiment, the battery 605 can be a standard 9-Volt battery.However, a direct current (“DC”) voltage source providing between about7-Volts and about 20-Volts can be used. The battery 605 can be connectedto the voltage source 610 via a connection 635. As shown in FIG. 14, thevoltage source 610 can convert the voltage from the battery (i.e.,+V_(b)) to a suitable voltage +V_(s), (e.g., +5 Volts) for use by themicrocontroller 620 via a connection 640 and +V_(a) (e.g., +3 Volts) foruse by the antenna 615 via a connection 645. The voltage source 610 caninclude an integrated circuit 650 (e.g., model UA78L05CD manufactured byTexas Instruments, among others) for converting the battery voltage to+V_(s). The integrated circuit 650 can be coupled to a capacitor C1. Thecapacitance of C1 can be designed to provide a constant, suitablevoltage output for use with the microcontroller 620. In someembodiments, the capacitance value can be 0.10 uF for C1. In addition,the maximum working-voltage rating of capacitor C1 can be 25 Vdc. Inaddition, the voltage source 610 can include an integrated circuit 655(e.g., model REG101NA-3/250 manufactured by Texas Instruments, amongothers) for converting +V_(s) voltage to +V_(a). The integrated circuit655 can be coupled to a capacitor C2. The capacitance of C2 can bedesigned to provide a constant, suitable voltage output for use with theantenna module 615. In some embodiments, the capacitance value can be0.10 uF for C2. In addition, the maximum working-voltage rating ofcapacitor C2 can be 25 Vdc.

As shown in FIG. 15, the antenna module 615 can be coupled to thevoltage source 610 via a connection 645, to the microcontroller 620 viaa connection 660, and to the antenna 665. The antenna module 615 canconvert data signals, received from the microcontroller 620 viaconnection 660, into RF signals and transmit the signals to the antenna665. The antenna 665 then can transmit the RF waves. The antenna module615 can include an integrated circuit 670 (e.g., model RCT-433-ASmanufactured by Radiotronix, among others). The antenna module 615 caninclude filtering capacitors C5 and C6 (e.g., capacitance values of 6.0pF), which can connect the output (at pin 1) of the integrated circuit670 to the antenna 665. In some embodiments, the antenna 665 can beimplemented as a trace on a printed circuit board.

As shown in FIG. 16, the indicators 625 can be coupled to themicrocontroller 620 via a connection 675. The indicators 625 can includegreen light emitting diodes (“LED”) 680-684 (e.g., MV5474C manufacturedby Fairchild, among others), yellow LEDs 686-688 (e.g., MV5374Cmanufactured by Fairchild, among others), and red LEDs 690-694 (e.g.,MV5075C manufactured by Fairchild, among others). The indicators 625 caninclude a current-sinking resistor R1 (e.g., 1.0 kΩ).

As shown in FIG. 17, the selectors 630 can be coupled to themicrocontroller 620 via a connection 700. The selectors 630 can includediode arrays 710-723 (e.g., BAV170E6327 manufactured by Infineon, amongothers). The selectors 630 can include switches 731-739 (e.g., B3F-1000manufactured by Omron, among others). In one embodiment, the functionsshown in Table 1 can be applied to the switches 731-739. TABLE 1 SwitchFunctions Switch Function 731 Speed Up/Synchronization 732 SpeedDown/Synchronization 733 Fan Stop/Implement Synchronization Code Change734 Dome Open 735 Dome Close 736 Dome Stop 737 Cool 738 Warm 739Exhaust/Intake

As shown in FIG. 18, the microcontroller 620 can include amicroprocessor integrated circuit 750, which can an be programmed toperform various functions. In some embodiments, the microprocessor 750can be a model number MC68HC908JK1CDW manufactured by FreescaleSemiconductor, Inc. The microcontroller 620 can include pull-upresistors R5 (e.g., 10 kΩ) and R6 (e.g,10 kΩ) The microprocessor 750 caninclude a clocking signal generator 755 including a crystal oroscillator X1 and loading capacitors C3 and C4. In some embodiments, thecrystal X1 can operate at 8 MHz and the loading capacitors C3 and C4 caneach have a capacitance value of 12 pF. The clocking signal generator755 can provide a clock signal input to the microprocessor 750 and canbe coupled to pin 3 and pin 4. The microprocessor 750 (at pins 6-8 and11-15) can be connected to the indicators 625 via a connection 675. Themicroprocessor 750 (at pins 9, 10, 16, and 17) can be connected to theselectors 630 via a connection 700.

The microprocessor 750 can be programmed to operate the remote control270 as shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B. As shown in FIG. 19A, themicroprocessor can be initialized (at step 800) by setting variousregisters, inputs/outputs, and variables. The microprocessor 750 canwait until a switch has been engaged (at step 810). When a switch731-739 in the selector 630 is engaged, the microprocessor 750 candetermine which switch 731-739 in the selector 630 was engaged. Themicroprocessor 750 can determine this by monitoring the states of itspins (9, 10, 16, and 17). The combination of states for each pin (9, 10,16, and 17) can signify which switch 731-739 is engaged. One embodimentof state combinations is shown in Table 2. TABLE 2 Switch StateCombinations State of Switch engaged Pin 9 Pin 10 Pin 16 Pin 17 731 OffOn On On 732 On Off On On 733 On On Off On 734 On On On Off 735 Off OffOn On 736 Off On Off On 737 Off On On Off 738 On Off Off On 739 On OffOn Off

Once the microprocessor 750 determines which switch 731-739 has beenengaged, the microprocessor 750 can determine if the engaged switch isthe warm switch 738 or the cool switch 737 (at steps 820 and 830). Ifthe engaged switch is the warm switch 738, the microprocessor 750 candetermine whether the temperature setting is at a maximum (at step 840).If the temperature is not at the maximum, the microprocessor 750 canincrement a temperature register (at step 850) and an LED count (at step860). The microprocessor 750 can apply power to the proper number ofLEDs 680-694 in the indicator 625 (at step 870).

At step 880, the microprocessor 750 can send a digital signal to theantenna module 615 representative of the temperature setting. Theantenna module 615 can convert this digital signal into an RF signal andtransmit the RF signal via the antenna 665.

If the engaged switch is the cool switch 737, the microprocessor 750 candetermine whether the temperature setting is at a minimum (at step 890).If the temperature is not at the minimum, the microprocessor 750 candecrement the temperature register (at step 900) and the LED count (atstep 905). The microprocessor 750 can then apply power to the propernumber of LEDs 680-694 in the indicator 625 (at step 870).

At step 880, the microprocessor 750 can send a digital signal to theantenna module 615 representative of the temperature setting. Theantenna module 615 can convert this digital signal into an RF signal andtransmit the RF signal via the antenna 665.

If the engaged switch is not the warm switch 738 or the cool switch 737,the microprocessor 750 can send a digital signal to the antenna module615 representative of the switch pressed (at step 880). The antennamodule 615 can convert this digital signal into an RF signal andtransmit the RF signal via the antenna 665.

If the temperature setting was at the maximum setting (at step 840), orthe temperature setting was at the minimum setting (at step 890), orfollowing transmission of the digital signal to the antenna module 615(at step 880), processing can continue (at step 910) with sequences formodifying the synchronization code (as shown in FIG. 19B). Themicroprocessor 750 can determine if the switch pressed is the speed downswitch 731 or the speed up switch 732. If the switch pressed is thespeed down switch 731 or the speed up switch 732, the microprocessor 750can determine if a timer is running (step 915). If the timer is notrunning, the microprocessor 750 can start the timer (at step 920) andprocessing can continue (at step 810).

If the timer is running (at step 915), the microprocessor 750 candetermine if the timer has been running for a predetermined time (e.g.,fifteen seconds) (at step 925). If the timer has been running for thepredetermined time, a random number generator can be started (at step930) and processing can continue (at step 810). If the predeterminedtime has not been reached (at step 925), processing can continue (atstep 810).

If the switch selected is not the speed down switch 731 or the speed upswitch 732 (at step 910), the microprocessor 750 can determine if theswitch selected is the fan stop switch 733 (step 935). If the fan stopswitch 733 is not selected, the timer can be stopped and reset (at step940) and processing can continue (at step 810). If the switch selectedis the fan stop switch 733, the microprocessor 750 can determine if thetimer has been running for a predetermined time (e.g., fifteen seconds)(step 945). If the timer has been running for less than thepredetermined time, processing can continue (at step 810). If the timerhas been running for the predetermined time, the random number from therandom number generator can be saved by the microprocessor 750 in itsflash memory (at step 950). The microprocessor 750 can then transmitthis code via the antenna module 615 (at step 955). The microprocessor750 can then determine if the speed up switch 732 is still selected (atstep 960). If the fan stop switch 733 is still selected, processing cancontinue (at step 955) with retransmission of the code. If the fan stopswitch 733 is not selected any longer, processing can continue (at step810).

The resistance, capacitance, and voltage values used herein are used asexamples only. Various features and advantages of the invention are setforth in the following claims.

1. A remotely-controlled ventilation system for use in a recreationalvehicle having a ceiling and a wall, the system comprising: a chassismounted to at least one of the ceiling and the wall of the recreationalvehicle; a fan coupled to the chassis; a dome coupled to the chassis;and a remote control configured to operate the fan and the dome.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1 and further comprising at least one motor coupled toat least one of the fan and the dome.
 3. The system of claim 1 whereinthe remote control is configured to open and close the dome.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the remote control is configured to turn thefan on and off.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the remote control isconfigured to change a direction of the fan in order to intake air andexhaust air.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the remote control isconfigured to change a speed of the fan.
 7. The system of claim 1 andfurther comprising a controller and a temperature sensor connected tothe controller, the controller connected to the fan and the dome.
 8. Thesystem of claim 7 wherein the controller receives a sensed temperatureand automatically controls the fan and the dome based on the sensedtemperature.
 9. The system of claim 7 wherein the remote control isconfigured to set a temperature threshold for automatic temperaturecontrol.
 10. The system of claim 9 wherein the remote control stores thetemperature threshold.
 11. The system of claim 9 wherein a direction ofthe fan is based on the temperature threshold and the sensedtemperature.
 12. The system of claim 9 wherein a speed of the fan isbased on the temperature threshold and the sensed temperature.
 13. Thesystem of claim 9 wherein a position of the dome is based on thetemperature threshold and the sensed temperature.
 14. The system ofclaim 1 and further comprising a hand crank coupled to the chassis tomanually open and close the dome.
 15. The system of claim 1 wherein theremote control communicates wirelessly using one of radio frequencycommunication and infrared communication.
 16. The system of claim 1 andfurther comprising a removable, snap-in screen coupled to the chassis.17. The system of claim 16 wherein removal of the screen deactivates thefan.
 18. The system of claim 1 and further comprising a rain sensor thatprovides a signal to a controller, and wherein the controller at leastone of closes the dome and turns off the fan when rain is detected. 19.The system of claim 1 and further comprising a controller connected tothe fan and the dome, and wherein the controller and the remote controlshare a synchronization code.
 20. The system of claim 18 wherein thesynchronization code is set by substantially simultaneously pressing oneor more buttons.
 21. The system of claim 1 wherein the fan is stoppedwhen a fault occurs.
 22. The system of claim 1 wherein at least oneposition of the dome is determined by an amount of current drawn by amotor coupled to the dome.
 23. The system of claim 1 wherein the dome ismoved to any position between a fully closed position and a fully openposition.
 24. The system of claim 1 and further comprising a controllerand an antenna, at least one of the controller and antenna locatedwithin the chassis.
 25. The system of claim 1 wherein a pulse widthmodulated signal controls a speed of the fan.
 26. The system of claim 1wherein the fan is operable when the dome is in a fully closed position.27. A remotely-controlled ventilation system for use in a recreationalvehicle, the system comprising: a fan and a dome coupled to therecreational vehicle; a controller connected to the fan and the dome,the controller including a first button; and a remote control configuredto operate the fan and the dome, the remote control including a secondbutton; the controller and the remote control configured to set asynchronization code when the first button and the second button arepressed substantially simultaneously.
 28. The system of claim 27 whereinthe synchronization code is stored in a transmitter of the remotecontrol and a receiver of the controller.
 29. The system of claim 28wherein the transmitter randomly selects the synchronization code andthe controller stores the synchronization code selected by thetransmitter.
 30. The system of claim 27 and further comprising at leastone motor coupled to at least one of the fan and the dome.
 31. Thesystem of claim 27 and further comprising a remote control that isconfigured to open and close the dome and control the fan.
 32. Thesystem of claim 31 wherein the remote control is configured to turn thefan on and off.
 33. The system of claim 31 wherein the remote control isconfigured to change a direction of the fan in order to intake air andexhaust air.
 34. The system of claim 31 wherein the remote control isconfigured to change a speed of the fan.
 35. The system of claim 27 andfurther comprising a temperature sensor connected to the controller. 36.The system of claim 35 wherein the controller receives a sensedtemperature and automatically controls the fan and the dome based on thesensed temperature.
 37. The system of claim 35 wherein a remote controlis configured to set a temperature threshold for automatic temperaturecontrol.
 38. The system of claim 37 wherein the remote control storesthe temperature threshold.
 39. The system of claim 37 wherein adirection of the fan is based on the temperature threshold and thesensed temperature.
 40. The system of claim 37 wherein a speed of thefan is based on the temperature threshold and the sensed temperature.41. The system of claim 37 wherein a position of the dome is based onthe temperature threshold and the sensed temperature.
 42. The system ofclaim 27 and further comprising a hand crank coupled to the chassis tomanually open and close the dome.
 43. The system of claim 31 wherein theremote control communicates wirelessly using one of radio frequencycommunication and infrared communication.
 44. The system of claim 27 andfurther comprising a chassis coupled to the fan and the dome, and aremovable, snap-in screen coupled to the chassis.
 45. The system ofclaim 44 wherein removal of the screen deactivates the fan.
 46. Thesystem of claim 27 and further comprising a rain sensor that provides asignal to a controller, and wherein the controller at least one ofcloses the dome and turns off the fan when rain is detected.
 47. Thesystem of claim 27 wherein the fan is stopped when a fault occurs. 48.The system of claim 27 wherein at least one position of the dome isdetermined by an amount of current drawn by a motor coupled to the dome.49. The system of claim 27 wherein the dome is moved to any positionbetween a fully closed position and a fully open position.
 50. Thesystem of claim 27 and further comprising a controller and an antenna,at least one of the controller and antenna located within the chassis.51. The system of claim 27 wherein a pulse width modulated signalcontrols a speed of the fan.
 52. The system of claim 27 wherein the fanis operable when the dome is in a fully closed position.
 53. Aremotely-controlled ventilation system for use in a recreationalvehicle, the system comprising: a fan and a dome coupled to therecreational vehicle; a controller connected to the fan and the dome;and a rain sensor connected to the controller, the rain sensor providinga signal to the controller indicating the presence of rain; thecontroller at least one of automatically closing the dome andautomatically turning off the fan when the signal indicates the presenceof rain.
 54. The system of claim 53 and further comprising at least onemotor coupled to at least one of the fan and the dome.
 55. The system ofclaim 53 and further comprising a remote control is configured to openand close the dome and control the fan.
 56. The system of claim 55wherein the remote control is configured to turn the fan on and off. 57.The system of claim 55 wherein the remote control is configured tochange a direction of the fan in order to intake air and exhaust air.58. The system of claim 55 wherein the remote control is configured tochange a speed of the fan.
 59. The system of claim 53 and furthercomprising a temperature sensor connected to the controller.
 60. Thesystem of claim 59 wherein the controller receives a sensed temperatureand automatically controls the fan and the dome based on the sensedtemperature.
 61. The system of claim 59 wherein a remote control isconfigured to set a temperature threshold for automatic temperaturecontrol.
 62. The system of claim 61 wherein the remote control saves thetemperature threshold.
 63. The system of claim 61 wherein a direction ofthe fan is based on the temperature threshold and the sensedtemperature.
 64. The system of claim 61 wherein a speed of the fan isbased on the temperature threshold and the sensed temperature.
 65. Thesystem of claim 61 wherein a position of the dome is based on thetemperature threshold and the sensed temperature.
 66. The system ofclaim 53 and further comprising a hand crank coupled to the chassis tomanually open and close the dome.
 67. The system of claim 55 wherein theremote control communicates wirelessly using one of radio frequencycommunication and infrared communication.
 68. The system of claim 53 andfurther comprising a chassis coupled to the fan and the dome, and aremovable, snap-in screen coupled to the chassis.
 69. The system ofclaim 68 wherein removal of the screen deactivates the fan.
 70. Thesystem of claim 55 and further comprising a controller connected to thefan and the dome, and wherein the controller and the remote controlshare a synchronization code.
 71. The system of claim 70 wherein thesynchronization code is set by substantially simultaneously pressing oneor more buttons.
 72. The system of claim 53 wherein the fan is stoppedwhen a fault occurs.
 73. The system of claim 53 wherein at least oneposition of the dome is determined by an amount of current drawn by amotor coupled to the dome.
 74. The system of claim 53 wherein the domeis moved to any position between a fully closed position and a fullyopen position.
 75. The system of claim 53 and further comprising acontroller and an antenna, at least one of the controller and antennalocated within the chassis.
 76. The system of claim 53 wherein a pulsewidth modulated signal controls a speed of the fan.
 77. The system ofclaim 53 wherein the fan is operable when the dome is in a fully closedposition.
 78. A method of remotely controlling a ventilation system foruse in a recreational vehicle having a wall and a ceiling, the methodcomprising: coupling a fan and a dome to at least one of the wall andthe ceiling of the recreational vehicle, the fan and the dome connectedto a controller; and transmitting a signal from a remote control to thecontroller in order to operate the fan and the dome.
 79. The method ofclaim 78 and further comprising controlling at least one motor coupledto at least one of the fan and the dome.
 80. The method of claim 78 andfurther comprising opening and closing the dome and controlling the fanwith the remote control.
 81. The method of claim 78 and furthercomprising turning the fan on and off with the remote control.
 82. Themethod of claim 78 and further comprising changing a direction of thefan with the remote control in order to intake air and exhaust air. 83.The method of claim 78 and further comprising changing a speed of thefan with the remote control.
 84. The method of claim 78 and furthercomprising sensing a temperature.
 85. The method of claim 84 and furthercomprising automatically controlling the fan and the dome based on thesensed temperature.
 86. The method of claim 84 and further comprisingautomatically controlling at least one of the fan and the dome tomaintain a temperature threshold.
 87. The method of claim 86 and furthercomprising storing the temperature threshold in the remote control. 88.The method of claim 86 and further comprising changing a direction ofthe fan based on the temperature threshold and the sensed temperature.89. The method of claim 86 and further comprising changing a speed ofthe fan based on the temperature threshold and the sensed temperature.90. The method of claim 86 and further comprising changing a position ofthe dome based on the temperature threshold and the sensed temperature.91. The method of claim 78 and further comprising manually opening andclosing the dome.
 92. The method of claim 78 and further comprisingtransmitting one of a radio frequency signal and an infrared signal fromthe remote control to the controller.
 93. The method of claim 78 andfurther comprising coupling a chassis to the fan and the dome, andcoupling a removable, snap-in screen to the chassis.
 94. The method ofclaim 93 and further comprising deactivating the fan when the screen isremoved.
 95. The method of claim 78 and further comprising storing acommon synchronization code in the controller and the remote control.96. The method of claim 95 and further comprising setting thesynchronization code by substantially simultaneously pressing one ormore buttons.
 97. The method of claim 78 and further comprising stoppingthe fan when a fault occurs.
 98. The method of claim 78 and furthercomprising determining at least one position of the dome by an amount ofcurrent drawn by a motor coupled to the dome.
 99. The method of claim 78and further comprising moving the dome to any position between a fullyclosed position and a fully open position.
 100. The method of claim 78and further comprising locating a controller and an antenna within thechassis.
 101. The method of claim 78 and further comprising controllinga speed of the fan with a pulse width modulated signal.
 102. The methodof claim 78 and further comprising operating the fan when the dome is ina fully closed position.